So I gave myself yesterday (Saturday) off from writing on the blog – not because I was being a procrastinator – because yesterday was a full day of rest for my home, and, categorically, rest = rest. PERIOD.
Sunday, Nov. 18 – Today’s take-away: You have been given an indescribable gift. Be engaged where God has planted you, and be where He needs you to be.
Today was a day of service to others. We often think of service only in the aspects of helping those around us who may have close to nothing, those who may have nothing at all, or ones who may be in a very bitter situation.
But, in our service to others, God can use the gifts that He gave to us: a smiling face, the bread we eat, an avid conversationalist, a listening ear…all in order to especially touch and impact those who need it the most. Can God gain glory through your service, gifts and actions to others?
I was reminded of this in church today: giving of ourselves – but doing it cheerfully and as unto the Lord.
7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”[a]10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Sometimes, a gentle reminder is all we need in order to place things back into perspective – to remind us of God’s Word and call planted deeply within us. Reactivating it when we are presented with this reminder is how we can and will become effective – a results driver.
Can God get an R.O.G.I. (return on His gift investment) in you? What has He given to you to freely share in order to uplift and affect another?
